In the heart of Nevada’s breathtaking Lake Tahoe region, a family legacy of enchanting sleigh and carriage rides has been weaving a tapestry of joy and unforgettable memories for over five decades. Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, formerly known as Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides, stands as a testament to enduring passion, family dedication, and a profound connection with both their beloved horses and the guests they serve. This enduring business, operating out of Sand Harbor State Park, has not only weathered the passage of time but has also cultivated a unique niche, offering a whimsical escape that resonates with a timeless appeal. Patriot Software, a provider of accounting and payroll solutions for small businesses, has recognized the remarkable story of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, highlighting their journey as part of their #PatriotSpotlight customer success series.
The genesis of this remarkable enterprise traces back to a serendipitous raffle win in 1967. Sam Borges, the patriarch of the family, acquired a pony, aptly named Little Joe after a favorite character from the iconic Western television series "Bonanza." This humble beginning sparked an idea that would blossom into a beloved community institution. Initially, Sam offered pony rides to neighborhood children, a simple act that laid the foundation for a much grander vision. Soon, the pony was replaced by a horse, and the first horse-drawn sleigh was acquired. An agreement with Brooks Park provided the family with the opportunity to offer sleigh rides across his cattle fields during the winter months, introducing the magic of a snow-dusted landscape traversed by horse and sleigh to a wider audience.
The business, deeply rooted in family tradition, was eventually passed down to Sam’s son, Dwight Borges, and his wife, Dianna Borges. Today, the torch continues to be carried by the next generation, with their children actively involved in the daily operations and sharing the same profound passion for their work. This multi-generational commitment ensures the continuity of the family’s values and their dedication to providing exceptional experiences. "We’ve been very fortunate over the years and are so grateful to be in business for so long," Dianna Borges reflected in a recent interview. This sentiment underscores the deep appreciation the family holds for their long-standing presence in the community and the opportunities it has afforded them.
Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides offers a diverse range of services designed to cater to a variety of occasions and desires, with a particular surge in activity during the festive holiday season. "Right now, we are basically Santa’s personal Uber!" Dianna exclaimed, highlighting their integral role in local holiday celebrations. The company is a sought-after participant in numerous special events, including tree lightings, festive Santa sleigh rides, Christmas caroling, and other community gatherings. Their presence adds a touch of enchantment and nostalgic charm to these cherished traditions, creating magical moments for families and individuals alike.
Beyond the winter wonderland, the company’s offerings extend throughout the year, providing charming carriage rides for life’s significant milestones. Celebrations such as birthdays, romantic marriage proposals, and elegant weddings are elevated by the unique experience of a horse-drawn carriage journey. They have also accommodated cultural celebrations like Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens, further demonstrating the versatility and broad appeal of their services.
The core of their year-round operation consists of meticulously crafted tours, available in both one-hour and 30-minute durations. During the winter months, guests are treated to breathtaking sleigh rides along the north shore of Lake Tahoe, with routes offering stunning vistas of Sand Harbor State Park and the shimmering lake. As the seasons change, the focus shifts to summer carriage tours, which often traverse scenic routes near local shops and restaurants, or provide delightful journeys down to the lake’s edge. The operation currently maintains a stable of approximately 15 horses, each contributing to the magic and authenticity of the experience.
The dedication required to operate a business centered around living animals is substantial, often transcending the traditional definition of a 9-to-5 job. Dianna describes their work as a "lifestyle" rather than a mere occupation. "I always tell people that it’s not as simple as turning a key and switching on some lights. We’re always on the job," she stated. The daily rhythm begins early with feeding the horses at 6 a.m. and concludes with another feeding at 6 p.m. Beyond the consistent care of the animals, the demands extend to maintaining pastures, ensuring the integrity of fences, and addressing any unforeseen issues that may arise at any hour. "If the horses get out of the stalls at 2 a.m., we have to go round them up in our pajamas," Dianna shared, illustrating the unpredictable nature of their work. Consequently, quantifying the exact number of hours worked per week proves to be a challenging, if not impossible, task for the Borges family.
Despite the demanding schedule, the family finds immense fulfillment in their work. "We work hard and long hours, but we live on a beautiful piece of property with our beloved horses and we do a job that makes us and others happy," Dianna conveyed. This profound sense of contentment and purpose fuels their continued commitment to the business.
One of the most significant challenges faced by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, and indeed the broader horse-drawn transportation industry, stems from public perception and misconceptions. "The hardest part about running our business is the public’s opinions about our type of business and the industry that we’re in," Dianna admitted. A prevalent assumption is that these businesses prioritize profit over animal welfare. However, Dianna vehemently refutes this notion, emphasizing the deep affection and respect the family holds for their horses. "We love our horses and want to see them treated right," she asserted. She attributes much of this negative stereotyping to the media’s portrayal of the industry.
A crucial aspect of their advocacy involves educating the public about the vital role that work and exercise play in maintaining the health and well-being of horses. "One of the biggest challenges we face is helping people understand that horses need this work and exercise to stay healthy," Dianna explained. She further elaborated that their horses genuinely enjoy their roles. Even aging horses, like two in their thirties who can no longer be worked extensively, exhibit signs of distress when deprived of human interaction and purpose. "The horses truly enjoy being a part of the team and working," she stated. The business adheres to stringent regulations and consistently prioritizes the best interests of their animals.
The family acknowledges that the reputation of horse ownership has been tarnished by isolated incidents or misrepresentations, creating an uphill battle for those who operate ethically and with genuine care. "The truth is, not enough people are around horses to understand them," Dianna observed, drawing a parallel to individuals who keep spiders as pets, suggesting that judgment should not be passed without understanding. Their commitment to transparency is a cornerstone of their approach, fostering open dialogue with customers and the wider community about their horses’ welfare. The unwavering support from their clientele, who witness firsthand their dedication, is what sustains them. "It’s all worth it when we see kids’ eyes light up when they see one of our horses," Dianna shared, underscoring the profound impact their work has on others.
In navigating the complexities of running a small business, particularly one with such unique operational demands, efficient financial management is paramount. Patriot Software has emerged as a valuable partner for Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides. "Patriot has been very flexible for us. It was very easy for us to learn, especially since we’re not accountants," Dianna stated. As a small business that "wears many hats," the efficiency and user-friendliness of Patriot’s software have been instrumental.
The accessibility of Patriot’s customer support has also been a significant advantage. Dianna contrasted their positive experience with Patriot to past dealings with larger companies. "Getting hold of people at Patriot for help has been relatively easy. We’ve tried larger companies in the past, and it was always a ton of more work," she remarked. The cost-effectiveness and ease of use of Patriot’s accounting and payroll software have provided the team at Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides with one less concern to manage, allowing them to focus their energy on their core mission.
When reflecting on their business, the Borges family’s pride centers on their core motto and mission: to bring happiness to others. "Our main objective is making people happy and giving others memories that last a lifetime," Dianna articulated. They view their ability to offer such a special service as a profound blessing, recognizing that it requires a unique set of individuals to touch the hearts of their guests. The team at Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides embodies this ethos, sharing their love for their animals and their passion with both their guests and each other.
Beyond the demanding schedule of their business, Dianna and Dwight Borges lead active and adventurous personal lives. They are avid travelers, exploring both domestic and international destinations. Dianna cites Antarctica as her favorite travel experience, while Dwight leans towards Costa Rica. Their travels often involve seeking out sleigh rides around the globe, a testament to their enduring passion for the activity. These journeys also provide opportunities to connect with new people, learn about diverse cultures, and discover the commonalities that bind humanity. "When you travel a lot, you start seeing that you have more things in common with others than you think and that there are more similarities than differences in the world," Dianna observed. Back home, they cherish their time spent with family and their beloved horses on their ranch, often embarking on trail rides to provide their horses with a change of pace and a bit of exercise. This approach embodies their philosophy of working hard but also playing hard.
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact on their communities through their own businesses, the Borges family offers a timeless piece of advice: "Find what it is you love doing and make money doing it." They acknowledge that all businesses encounter challenges, but a deep-seated passion for one’s work serves as the driving force to overcome obstacles. Their guiding principle, passed down through generations, is that when you love what you do, the line between work and life blurs, and you "never work a day in your life."
The enduring success of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is a testament to the power of family legacy, unwavering dedication to animal welfare, and a profound commitment to creating joyful experiences. As they continue to navigate the seasons of life and business, their enchanting sleigh and carriage rides remain a cherished highlight for visitors and locals alike, solidifying their place as a treasured institution on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
Connect with Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides online:
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This customer received a gift card as a thank you for sharing their story and unbiased feedback.
This article has been updated from its original publication date of December 13, 2019, to include the company’s name change.
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